A shop in Stirling has become an unlikely tourist attraction after thousands of caterpillars built a silky web around a bush.

James Chapelard / SWNS

People have become fascinated with the sight of the web, outside a Wickes store in the city, which was probably made by tiny caterpillars from the ermine moth family as a way to protect them from predators.

Simon McAllister, store manager at Wickes Stirling, said: "The caterpillars' web is a pretty amazing sight! I can't believe how popular it's been – we think that around 700 people have visited since Friday. We've even had local police help with traffic and crowd control to make sure everyone stays safe as we've had so many onlookers, including schools."

The web is expected to be there for at least two weeks.

Patrick Smith is a senior reporter for BuzzFeed News and is based in London.